NHS Tayside has been ordered to apologise to a patient who was sent home from hospital despite suffering a stroke.
The patient awoke from an unrelated procedure at Ninewells Hospital when they complained of common stroke symptoms.
But despite the painful tingling sensation in their mouth, left hand and foot, medics found “no clinical concerns” according to a watchdog report.
Checks on patient ‘insufficient’
The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) has ruled the assessment was “insufficient” and put the health of the patient, identified only as ‘C’, at risk.
The ruling stated: “We found that, whilst staff identified that C’s symptoms indicated they may have had a stroke and an assessment was carried out with this in mind, the assessment was insufficiently detailed and, in light of C’s presenting symptoms, further investigation by a neurologist (specialist of the nerves and the nervous system, especially of the diseases affecting them) should have been arranged.”
After being sent home from the gastroenterology ward, the person’s symptoms persisted and they attended an emergency GP appointment the following morning.
The GP concluded that C had suffered a stroke and they were readmitted to hospital immediately for further investigations.
A further CT scan on arrival confirmed the condition.
Health board to run staff education sessions
The watchdog, which investigates complaints about public bodies in Scotland, says staff should be better trained.
The report added: “Clinical staff involved should reflect on C’s case and give consideration as to where improvements could be made in their practice to ensure that symptoms of stroke are adequately investigated as soon as possible, and input from stroke specialists is obtained in clinically appropriate cases.
“The board said that they would be running education sessions for all staff to raise awareness regarding early signs and symptoms for stroke and the appropriate action to take.”
An NHS Tayside spokesperson said: “We are sorry that treatment and care in this case fell below the standard we would expect.
“We have apologised to the patient and a plan is in place to action the recommendations.”
